Tate-Nadeau will oversee Illinois National Guard's Domestic Operations

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/07/2015)(readMedia)-- March 7 Col. Alicia A. Tate-Nadeau made history when she was promoted to brigadier general, the first female in the Illinois National Guard to earn the rank. However, to her it is not about gender; it is about being the best.

"Being a leader transcends gender and everything else," she said. "I never wanted to be the best female officer. I wanted to be the best officer."

Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General, promoted Tate-Nadeau of Chicago and formerly of Delavan, Illinois. She was joined by her family, friends and approximately 200 Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen during the ceremony at Camp Lincoln's Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois. Tate-Nadeau's children, Lindsey and Gavin, and retired Maj. Gen. Randal Thomas, former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General, joined Krumrei to pin on her new rank.

Her goal of being the best officer looked a little different more than 30 years ago when Tate-Nadeau was enjoying her college years at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1984. At the time, she was studying business and was busy with her sorority when the Dean of Women recommended she take a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) course to improve her grade point average.

"After one course I found out I loved it and I was pretty good at it," she said. "I didn't realize she brought me on a course that was life changing for me. That one lady, caring about me, had such a dramatic impact on my life. If it hadn't been for her I never would have been introduced to the military, let alone 30 years of service."

She soon transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma, then graduated and earned her commission to second lieutenant in 1986 through its ROTC program.

Tate-Nadeau said her leadership style is rooted in the standard she learned from retired Col. Norman Aschenbrenner, her battalion commander while she was company commander for Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 44th Chemical Battalion in Sycamore, Illinois, from 1989 to 1991.

"He taught me there was only one standard, for the men and women who serve. Make a decision that is good for your Soldier or you're wrong and he was going to hold you, as an officer, accountable for that," she said.

A few years later, as a married mom working on her master's degree in hospital administration, she transitioned from a traditional, one-weekend a month Guardsman to a full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldier in 1997.

Since then, Tate-Nadeau's subordinates have experienced her early-rooted leadership style first-hand.

Sgt. Maj. Mary Dixon of Chapin, Illinois, with the 108th Medical Battalion in Chicago, first worked with Tate-Nadeau at the Regional Training Institute in Springfield, Illinois, when Tate-Nadeau was the officer in charge from 2002 to 2003. Soon after, Dixon followed Tate-Nadeau to Macomb, Illinois, to help re-establish the previously deactivated 44th Chemical Battalion.

Dixon said she is still committed to Tate-Nadeau and her leadership.

"I would go anywhere she asked right now, almost without question," Dixon said. "I still feel that devotion. I would love to be on her team again."

Dixon adjusted her personal and professional schedules to attend the ceremony.

"It's not often we have the opportunity to witness an event like this and I really believe no one deserves this opportunity more than Colonel Tate-Nadeau," she said. "I was fortunate to work with her for years, and I wanted to be there to show my support."

Maj. Eric Davis of Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, with 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment in Chicago, worked with Tate-Nadeau from 2008 to 2009 when she was the Illinois Army National Guard's Director of Plans, Operations and Training.

He admitted she often pushed him to his limits, but said he never felt she set him up for failure. He also said the last thing he ever wanted to do was disappoint her.

"She's one of those people you don't want to let down because she's a good leader who will always have your back," Davis said. "You always knew where you stood...she chewed you when you needed it and gave you praise when you deserved it. I always felt she had my back."

Throughout her career, Tate-Nadeau held multiple positions, including various command and director-level positions such as Chief of the Joint Staff; Director of Plans, Operations and Training; 404th Chemical Brigade Deputy Commander; 44th Chemical Battalion Commander and 5th Civil Support Team Commander. She also deployed to Iraq with Multi-National Division (Central South) as the Chief of Operations, Plans and Public Information.

In her current assignment as the Illinois Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, the Adjutant General placed her in charge of domestic operations, overseeing Illinois National Guard homeland security response and programs such as the State Partnership Program with Poland. Prior to this position, she served a three-year tour as the National Guard Bureau Liaison Officer to the Israeli Home Front Command, in Ramla, Israel. In December 2014, Tate-Nadeau retired from the AGR program and transitioned back to a traditional Guardsman when she accepted a civilian position as the Region V Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Management Assistance Team Leader in Chicago.

Out of all her positions in the Illinois National Guard, Tate-Nadeau admitted one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, positions was one she originally did not want. In September 2003, she was ready to work in operations while Thomas, then the Illinois National Guard Adjutant General, appointed her as the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Officer (PAO).

"I literally cried in a corner when I got it," she said. "It was the hardest job I've had...in the beginning of the war when we were taking so many casualties. However, it gave me an opportunity to tell the Soldiers' story and to give honor to the men and women who have died. The people I've served have stayed with me forever."

Her dream job in operations as the Illinois Army National Guard's Director of Plans, Operations and Training came in 2007, immediately following her PAO assignment.

With more than 30 years of military service and now a new full-time career, Tate-Nadeau said her greatest accomplishment is not her career. It is her children.

"The men and women I've served have been amazing, but the two people who have taken the brunt every time duty calls are those two kids," she said. "They're my biggest supporters and I could not have done it without them."

Along with her family, Tate-Nadeau said she is blessed with a group of friends who have helped her and her family throughout her career. She said her Delavan neighbors never hesitated to pick up Lindsey, now 24, and Gavin, now 18, from school or help with significant life events while she was deployed or travelling.

"It's kind of hard to do a military career without a whole team behind you helping you," she said. "I thank all those people in my life who allowed me to have my military career."

Throughout her career, Tate-Nadeau said it was never about being the best and brightest, but rather surrounding herself with the best and brightest. She also said it was never about ultimately wearing a star on her chest. It was about being her true self for her Soldiers.

"There is no cookie cutter way to leadership," she said. "You can only be who you are in your heart, because Soldiers know that."

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Carroll, Clay, Hancock, Humboldt and Webster counties have met the criteria to become designated as Home Base Iowa Communities. They also announced today additional Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) designations for Mercy College of Health Sciences, Iowa Central Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College.

Carroll, Clay, Hancock, Humboldt and Webster Counties join the eight existing communities - Greene County, Howard County, Clarke County, Floyd County, Dubuque County, Mitchell County, Union County and the City of Marion  - in becoming certified Home Base Iowa Communities. To become a Home Base Iowa Community, an area must meet the following criteria: 10% of its businesses with potential to hire sign on as Home Base Iowa Businesses; local government supports the effort; signage indicates the community is a Home Base Iowa Community and the community creates local incentives that offer additional benefits for Veterans and that complement those in the statewide Home Base Iowa Act.

"With 1,000 Veterans hired through the Home Base Iowa efforts thus far, this program is certainly successful," said Branstad. "As these communities have demonstrated, Iowans are embracing the Home Base Iowa initiative to create communities that are welcoming and attractive to veterans and to provide transitioning military members with every opportunity for success."

"I am pleased, but certainly not surprised, to see the continued support Home Base Iowa is receiving across the state," said Reynolds. "Today's announcement of additional Home Base Iowa Communities and Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners ensures Service Members transitioning to civilian life have welcoming communities, educational resources, jobs and opportunities for continued service?all here in Iowa."

MORE INFORMATION ON EACH OF THE HOME BASE IOWA COMMUNITIES 

In Humboldt County 34% of businesses with potential to hire signed on as Home Base Iowa employers.  Humboldt County's incentive package for qualifying Veterans includes hotel and meal vouchers and a welcome package from the host community. The first five qualifying Veterans will also receive a cash bonus of $200. Additional, the first five veterans will also receive $200.00 in down payment assistance if they elect to use a local Realtor.  In addition to the county-wide incentives, the City of Humboldt offers rental assistance for up to $1,000, up to $3,500 down payment assistance, tax abatement for the first $75,000 is assessed value on new construction in one of four subdivisions, $60 in "Recreation Bucks" and guided community tours.  Questions on the local incentive package should be directed to the Humboldt County Development Association.

Clay County's robust Home Base Iowa effort, working with 109 employers to become Home Base Iowa Businesses and pledging their commitment to hire Veterans, is already paying off.  In just the past few weeks, several transitioning Service Members contacted Clay County about opportunities in the area. Clay County's incentive package for qualifying Veterans includes the following: rental assistance for up to $1000, three months of free utility service, discounted closing costs for home loans, streamlined housing and job searches and discounts and gift cards for restaurants, accommodations and retailers. Questions on the local incentive package should be directed to the Iowa Lakes Corridor.

Carroll County's Home Base Iowa effort was led by volunteer board members and staff of the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC).  Through the efforts, forty seven businesses have committed to hiring Veterans through 2018. Carroll County considers the program a win-win for area employers and those seeking employment and offers the following incentives including a streamlined application process to Carroll County employers; complimentary one-year membership to either Carroll Recreation Center, Carroll Aquatic Center or Carroll Municipal Golf Course; complimentary one-year membership to Carroll Young Professionals and Hy-Vee gift card. In addition, those moving to the City of Manning would also receive income-qualified down payment assistance, tax abatement for new construction housing or rental assistance, complimentary family membership to Recreation Center and indoor pool and much more. Contact the Carroll Area Development Corporation for questions on local incentives.

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance should be contacted for additional information on local incentives.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT 

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

• Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
• Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
• Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
• Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
• Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
• Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the 

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org. Those interested in becoming Home Base Iowa Communities or Home Base Iowa CHAMPS should contact Kathy Anderson, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at 515.725.3149 or kathy.anderson@iowa.gov.

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March 8 ceremony recognizes Soldiers with 1965th Contingency Contracting Team and Bilateral Embedded Staff Team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/03/2015)(readMedia)-- Two teams of Soldiers will be recognized March 8 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 20 Soldiers will be recognized at 2 p.m. at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Illinois.

1965th Contingency Contracting Team

Four Soldiers with the 1965th Contingency Contracting Team (CCT) mobilized in March 2014 and deployed to Afghanistan, returning home in November 2014. Two Springfield Soldiers on the team will be part of the ceremony. The other two had follow-on missions after the deployment.

The 1965th CCT is a group of highly-skilled contracting officers and contract specialists who executed and administered government funds through contracts to obtain goods, services and construction from commercial sources to support contingency operations.

Capt. David Picchi of Springfield, Illinois was part of the team and recognized as a top performer for Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command. The region includes Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar. Sgt. Ronald Witt Jr. of Springfield, Illinois will join Picchi at the ceremony.

Picchi said the team provided contracted mission support through the procurement of critical life support services such as water, trash, sanitation, dining facility operations, security and deconstruction services.

The 1965th executed and facilitated the logistics drawdown mission of the regional commands within Afghanistan. The team facilitated the downsizing of dozens of bases, as well as the closing of major theater airfields within the region.

All members of the team will be awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal as well, as the NATO service ribbon. Sgt 1st Class Marc Graves of Springfield, Illinois was also recognized as a top performer for Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command. Maj. Milton Ware Jr. of Chicago and Graves were part of the team, but unable to be part of the ceremony because of additional missions following the 1965th deployment.

Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A13

Approximately 20 Soldiers with the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A13 trained with the Polish Land Forces before mobilizing in April 2014. The Soldiers returned to their families Dec. 19, 2014.

The unique mission allowed Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

While deployed to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, the Soldiers facilitated operations with Task Force White Eagle, which is primarily composed of the Polish 10th Logistics Brigade. BEST Soldiers were embedded with the Polish brigade to synchronize task force operations.

BEST A13 had many accomplishments while in Afghanistan, including the recovery and turn-in of $3.5 million of unaccounted U.S. property, which would have been a loss to the government. The team also expanded the capability and functionality of the Polish military, a NATO partner. The Illinois National Guard has been a state partner with Poland since 1993, including side-by-side deployments with Polish Forces the past 20 years.

Freedom Salute Campaign

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered

commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and should notify the Public Affairs Office by 3 p.m., March 6 to be granted access onto Camp Lincoln. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/26/2015)(readMedia)-- Soldiers from all over the state converged on Camp Lincoln Feb. 22 for the annual Adjutant General's Combatives Tournament hosted by the Illinois Army National Guard's Modern Army Combatives Team.

The two-day tournament had bouts in eight weight divisions from 105 pounds to more than 205 pounds. Preliminary rounds use the Modern Army Combative Program standard rules where competitors start in a standing position and work to take down and submit their opponent. The finals follow the MACP intermediate rules where the goal is the same, but allow competitors to use openhanded strikes to the face, closed hand strikes to the body, kicks, and knees to the lower extremities.

"The prelim rounds are double elimination, six minute bouts in each class and we use the standard competition rules," Master Sgt. James Frick of Herrin, Illinois, Headquarters, operations non-commissioned officer with the 129th Regional Training Institute and combatives team member said. "Then, when we get to the finals, they get to have a little more fun. They follow the intermediate rules where they can strike and they fight a single elimination, 10 minute bout."

Three teams brought more 50 competitors to the tournament. Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each weight division and the tournament trophy was given to the top finishing team.

Tournament Results:

Team Results:

1. 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry - 329 points

2. 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - 230 points

3. 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry - 125 points

Individual Results:

110 lb. Weight Division

1. Spc. Alma Ruff, Osewgo, Illinois, 135th Chemical Company

125 lb. Weight Class

1. Pvt. 1st Class Christopher Denning, Rock Falls, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

2. Pvt. 1st Class Eliah Wence, Lakemoor, Illinois, 135th Chemical Company

3. Spc. Kamisha Bell, Carterville, Illinois, Co. E, 634th Brigade Services Battalion

140 lb. Weight Division

1. Spc. Gabriel Gloria, Sterling, Illinois, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

2. Spc. Brock Scoggins, Carterville, Illinois, Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry

3. Sgt. Ricardo Brambila, Berwyn, Illinois, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

155 lb. Weight Division

1. Spc. Seth Pilkington, Carthage, Illinois, 233rd Military Police Company

2. Cdt. Samuel Russ, Round Lake, Illinois, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Signal

3. Sgt. 1st. Class Arkan Chehade, Wayne, Illinois, 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion

170 lb. Weight Division

1. 2nd Lt. Ross Cooper, Gillespie, Illinois, 3637th Maintenance Company

2. Spc. Roberto Leal, Streamwood, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company

3. Spc. Jose Roman, Dekalb, Illinois, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery

185 lb. Weight Division

1. Staff Sgt. Bryan Helfrich, Dixon, Illinois, 333rd Military Police Company

2. Pvt. 1st Class Andino Medina, LaGrange Park, Illinois, Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

3. Pvt. 1st Class Ivan Gonzalez, Berwyn, Illinois, Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery

205 lb. Weight Division

1. Sgt. Logan Weir, Monmouth, Illinois, Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 44th Chemical Battalion

2. Spc. Brock Tedrick, Dixon, Illinois, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

3. Sgt. Zechariah Johnson, Mount Morris, Illinois, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

Heavyweight Division (over 205 lb.)

1. Pvt. Carlos Brown, Peoria, Illinois, Company A, 405th Brigade Support Battalion

2. Spc. Steven McMahon, Streamwood, Illinois, Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry

3. Sgt. Michael Rynearson, Lewiston, Illinois, 444th Combat Support Chemical Company